'How the Waters closed above Him' by Emily Dickinson
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How the Waters closed above Him
We shall never know-
How He stretched His Anguish to us
That-is covered too-Spreads the Pond Her Base of Lilies
Bold above the Boy
Whose unclaimed Hat and Jacket
Sum the History-
Editor 1 Interpretation
How the Waters closed above Him: A Poem by Emily Dickinson
Wow, what a hauntingly beautiful poem. Emily Dickinson's "How the Waters closed above Him" is a stunning piece of work that explores the themes of death, grief, and the afterlife. With its vivid imagery and powerful language, this poem is a testament to Dickinson's immense talent as a poet. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a deeper look at this masterpiece and uncover its hidden meanings.
An Overview of the Poem
At its core, "How the Waters closed above Him" is a poem about the death of a loved one. The speaker describes the moment when the individual "sank for the first time" and the "waters closed above him." The poem then goes on to explore the aftermath of this event, as the speaker reflects on the individual's life and legacy.
The Language of the Poem
One of the most striking aspects of "How the Waters closed above Him" is Dickinson's use of language. The poem is filled with vivid imagery that brings the scene to life. For example, the line "The water filled the sky" creates an otherworldly atmosphere that suggests a kind of transcendence beyond the physical realm.
Similarly, the line "The sea was not so large as he" is a beautiful metaphor that captures the vastness of the afterlife. The idea that the sea is not as large as the individual suggests that there is a realm beyond our physical world that is infinitely larger and more expansive.
Themes and Motifs
As we mentioned earlier, "How the Waters closed above Him" is primarily concerned with the themes of death, grief, and the afterlife. However, there are also several motifs that run throughout the poem that add to its complexity and depth.
One of these motifs is the idea of water. Water is a powerful and multifaceted symbol that appears throughout the poem. On one hand, it represents the physical act of drowning, which is an allusion to the individual's death. On the other hand, water also represents the afterlife and the idea of transcendence beyond the physical world.
Another important motif is the idea of light. The poem describes how the individual "sank for the first time" and the "waters closed above him," but then goes on to say that "a light broke in upon his brain." This suggests that even in death, there is a kind of illumination or enlightenment that occurs. The light symbolizes the individual's transition from the physical realm to the spiritual realm.
The Speaker of the Poem
The speaker of "How the Waters closed above Him" is somewhat ambiguous. We don't know for sure who is speaking or what their relationship is to the individual who has died. However, there are some clues in the poem that suggest the speaker may be someone who is close to the individual.
For example, the speaker describes the individual's life in detail, from their "childhood's earliest memories" to their "manhood's prime." This suggests that the speaker has known the individual for a long time and has a deep understanding of their life and legacy.
Interpretation and Meaning
So, what does "How the Waters closed above Him" actually mean? As with many of Dickinson's poems, there is no one definitive answer. However, there are a few possible interpretations that we can explore.
One interpretation is that the poem is a meditation on the afterlife. The individual's death and transition to the afterlife is described in vivid detail, suggesting that this is the primary focus of the poem. The sea, which is a symbol of the afterlife, is described as being vast and infinite, which suggests that there is more to our existence than just the physical world.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a reflection on grief and the process of mourning. The speaker describes the individual's life in detail and reflects on their legacy, suggesting that they are grappling with the loss and trying to come to terms with it. The light that breaks in upon the individual's brain may symbolize the moment of acceptance or resolution that occurs during the process of grieving.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "How the Waters closed above Him" is a stunning poem that explores the themes of death, grief, and the afterlife. With its vivid imagery and powerful language, this poem is a testament to Dickinson's immense talent as a poet. While there is no one definitive interpretation of the poem, it is clear that it is a deeply spiritual and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
How the Waters closed above Him: A Masterpiece by Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson, one of the most celebrated poets of all time, has left behind a legacy of thought-provoking and emotionally charged poems that continue to inspire readers even today. Among her many works, "How the Waters closed above Him" stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of human emotions and the mysteries of life and death. In this article, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices to understand why it remains a timeless classic.
The poem begins with a vivid description of a man's death by drowning. The opening lines, "How the Waters closed above Him / We shall never know," immediately draw the reader's attention to the mystery surrounding the man's fate. The use of the word "closed" instead of "covered" adds a sense of finality and inevitability to the scene, as if the man's fate was sealed from the moment he entered the water. The second line, "Nor when the Sea began to creep," creates a sense of foreboding, as if the sea was a living entity with a will of its own, slowly creeping up on the man until it engulfed him.
The next stanza shifts the focus to the man's family and friends, who are left to mourn his loss. The lines, "Till it swept him from our side, / Stole him from us hour by hour," convey a sense of helplessness and despair, as if the man's loved ones were powerless to stop his fate. The repetition of the word "us" emphasizes the collective grief of the community, as if the man's death had affected everyone in some way.
The third stanza introduces a religious theme, as the speaker wonders if the man's soul was saved before he died. The lines, "Was it when He spoke the word / Or breathed His last reply?" suggest that the man's salvation was dependent on his final words or thoughts. The use of the pronoun "He" implies that the speaker is referring to God, adding a sense of reverence and awe to the scene.
The fourth stanza returns to the image of the sea, which is now described as a "mighty Sea of Prayer." This line is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the sea is not just a physical entity, but also a spiritual one. The use of the word "prayer" implies that the sea has a divine purpose, perhaps to carry the man's soul to heaven. The line, "But not a drowning man / Came up for air," reinforces the sense of finality and inevitability that was established in the first stanza. It also suggests that the man's fate was not just physical, but also spiritual, as he was unable to escape the sea's grasp even in death.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker reflects on the man's fate and the mystery surrounding it. The lines, "How the Waters closed above Him / We shall never know," are repeated, emphasizing the sense of uncertainty and mystery that pervades the poem. The final line, "What was said by the Dying?" adds a sense of urgency and importance to the man's final words, as if they held the key to unlocking the mystery of his fate.
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of imagery and symbolism. The sea, for example, is not just a physical entity, but also a metaphor for the mysteries of life and death. The repetition of the phrase "How the Waters closed above Him" reinforces this symbolism, as if the sea was a symbol of the unknown and the unknowable. The use of religious imagery, such as the reference to God and the "Sea of Prayer," adds a sense of transcendence and spirituality to the poem, elevating it beyond the realm of the physical.
Another notable feature of the poem is its use of repetition and rhyme. The repetition of the phrase "How the Waters closed above Him" creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, as if the poem is building towards a climax. The use of rhyme, particularly in the second and fourth stanzas, adds a sense of musicality and beauty to the poem, making it a pleasure to read and recite.
In conclusion, "How the Waters closed above Him" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of human emotions and the mysteries of life and death. Through its vivid imagery, religious symbolism, and use of repetition and rhyme, the poem creates a sense of urgency and importance that draws the reader in and leaves a lasting impression. Emily Dickinson's legacy as a poet continues to inspire and captivate readers even today, and this poem is a shining example of her talent and genius.
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